Search Results for: adventure theatre

Weekend picks in and around Washington, DC

November 26, 2021

We are keeping this post short and sweet- as we have a lengthy Hanukkah post coming to you tomorrow with many ways to spend your Sunday which is the first night of Hanukkah! If you are doing any Black Friday shopping, Kiwi Co has great deals today, use this link for $10 off whatever other discount you receive.

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical at The National now through December 5, 2021. We highly recommend this to families with kids ages 4+. Important Information from the Covid-19 Information Center at The National can be found here.

WinterFest kicks off with the start of the Yeti Scavenger Hunt, featuring creative tasks and trivia throughout Tenleytown, and Winter Feast restaurant specials at 13 area restaurants. Eat out all week long with deals at Bandit Taco, Confetti, Le Chat Noir, Le Kavacha Bistro, Masala Art, Nando’s PERi-PERi, Pete’s New Haven Style Apizza, Rome Pizza & Sub, SEOULSPICE, Spring Garden, Steak-n-Egg, Tartufo Restaurant, and Z-Burger. Saturday, join Small Business Saturday to celebrate Tenleytown’s amazing small and local businesses. Stop by the welcome station from noon to 3 pm at 4748 Wisconsin Avenue for special giveaways that will inspire you to Shop Small! Then come out for Carols & Cocoa at Fessenden Park at 3 pm. All are welcome at this inclusive, non-denominational community sing, featuring Meadowlark Music.

Enchant Christmas: The Mischievous Elf is at Nationals Park through January 2, 2022. The magical World of Enchant is filled with dazzling displays that feel like they come right out of a childhood Christmas dream. Marvel at the 100 ft. animated tree, glide across the glistening Ice Skating Trail, pose for photos with Santa himself, and sip and savor delicious festive holiday treats every step of the way. Become part of the magical Christmas story of “The Mischievous Elf”. Eddie the elf has misplaced some very important gifts and needs your help finding them within the North Pole’s dazzling lights. Will you come and help save Christmas?

Christmas at the Gaylord now through December 31, 2021. There is no better way to celebrate Christmas than gathering your family at Gaylord National. Explore acres of twinkling lights and decorations and hours of exciting holiday activities, shows, and events, including our Gaylord Hotels Original Experience, I Love Christmas Movies™ featuring five beloved films. See this list of all of the fun activities.

Visit George Washington’s estate this holiday season. Join us for special evening events or take part in holiday activities during daytime admission at Christmas at Mount Vernon.

Acoustic Rooster’s Barnyard Boogie: Starring Indigo Blume made it’s debut at The Kennedy Center yesterday. New York Times best-selling author Kwame Alexander brings two of his beloved children’s books—Acoustic Rooster and Indigo Blume—to the stage. Alexander teams up with his writing partner Mary Rand Hess and long-time musical collaborator Randy Preston to tell a story about being scared, being brave, and believing in yourself. With special guests like Duck Ellington and Ms. Dairy Parton—plus Preston appearing as Acoustic Rooster—this musical adaptation will have children (and families) dancing in their seats. Most enjoyed by ages 5+.

All aboard! The B&O Railroad Museum is celebrating the return of THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride in Baltimore beginning Friday, November 19^th and continuing through December 12^th. Gold class tickets are already sold out. The remaining silver and bronze tickets are flying faster than Santa’s reindeer! Climb aboard The Polar Express to create a Christmas memory that you and your family will cherish forever. Come in your pajamas as a family to watch the live performance of the The Polar Express. The performance will begin in our North Car Shop where you will be invited onto the Polar Express to travel by train to the North Pole. Once on the Polar Express, the classic Christmas tale will be performed, and little ones will have the opportunity to meet Santa and receive their first gift of Christmas!

Get three shows for the price of one! Winterfest at Adventure Theatre brings favorites from the digital Jingle in July festival to the live stage. Snowflakes, frost, and fantasy abound in Uri & Ora Light the Menorah by Robyn Shrater Seemann, Connection by Diego Maramba and Michelle Bowen, and Cranky Penguin by Keegan Patterson. Winterfest opens this Friday, November 19th, and runs through the holiday season until January 2nd.

S.P.I.E.S. & the Lost Treasure of Atlantis Imagination Stage virtual show is full of surprises, fun, and memorable characters. Each performance takes the cadets (audience) through a series of puzzles, codes, and challenges on a quest to help Spy Team 7 recover the stolen Heart of the Dragon from the evil Dr. Levinious. The experience is led by a hilarious improvisational actor playing the role of Pat, who interacts with individual spy cadets in the Zoom room. Part online escape room, part interactive game, this creative and immersive theatrical experience is a live virtual event perfect for ages 5+. Just $28 for the whole household!

LuminocCity Festival Holiday Lights at Roer’s Zoofari is inspired by the power and warmth of light overcoming the darkness, our theme this year is “Shine Again”! Lumi and the team have been hard at work preparing for this year’s immersive light festival!

The 17th Annual Downtown Holiday Market, Washington D.C.’s outdoor shopping village, kicks off the holiday season Friday, November 19. The beloved outdoor market continues to support small businesses and entrepreneurs across the region, welcoming shoppers for a safe, secure and enhanced shopping experience in the heart of the District this year.

DC’s Main Streets and commercial corridors have joined together to bring you a spectacular holiday experience: DC Holiday Lights. Between November 19 and January 6, take a stroll down each of the participating corridors below to experience a dazzling array of lights and decor. Then, cast your vote for the best decorated corridor!

Smithsonian FUTURES is part exhibition, part festival!. FUTURES presents nearly 32,000 square feet of new immersive site-specific art installations, interactives, working experiments, inventions, speculative designs, and “artifacts of the future,” as well as historic objects and discoveries from 23 of the Smithsonian’s museums, major initiatives, and research centers. Of the nearly 150 objects on view, several are making their public debut: an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven rover from Alphabet’s X that could transform agriculture; a Planetary Society space sail for deep space travel; a Loon internet balloon; the first full-scale Buckminster Fuller geodesic dome built in North America; the world’s first controlled thermonuclear fusion device; and more.

Sunday– Hanukkah celebrations

Nov. 26 – Jan. 2: Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins at The Puppet Co.
Hershel just wants to celebrate Hanukkah with the community, but the Queen and King of the Goblins have forbidden the lighting of the candles. Can Hershel save the day and lift the curse for this shtetl (village)? Join during Hanukkah (November 28 – December 5) to take home a special gift.

Nov. 28 from 3:15pm – 5:45pm: National Menorah Lighting
The annual lighting ceremony of the National Chanukah Menorah, on the Ellipse, just across from the White House, helps launch and strengthen the celebration of “Chanukah – Festival of Lights” in all 50 states and over 100 countries globally. The National Menorah is honored to have the presence of the Military Bands of the Military District of Washington perform at the lighting ceremony, often accompanied by a celebrity Jewish artist. Prominent guests including the President, Vice President, members of the Cabinet, Congress and the diplomatic corps, as well as numerous senior Administration officials and international dignitaries and celebrities have participated in the ceremony. The event creates much joy and celebration throughout the entire Washington community and beyond. Music, food, entertainment and the “National Essay Winners” are main attractions of the National Menorah Ceremony.

Nov. 28 – Dec. 6 from 5:00pm-6:00pm: The Wharf Lighting of the Menorah
The Wharf is continuing the annual tradition of lighting the menorah in District Square for each night of Hanukkah. Come to The Wharf to celebrate the Festival of Lights.

Nov. 28 at 5:30pm: Chanukah Festival in Old Town, Alexandria
Join us as we celebrate the holiday of Chanukah! Enjoy delicious pre-packaged Latkes, hot cocoa, pre-packaged donuts and more!

Weekend picks in and around Washington, DC

November 19, 2021

All weekend

You are invited to travel through space and time with the largest exploration of the future by the Smithsonian this November 19-21. To celebrate the Smithsonian Institution’s 175th anniversary, the Arts and Industries Building will temporarily open for the first time in almost 20 years with an exhibit that will blast viewers towards the future. FUTURES will host its opening weekend full of site-specific art commissions, research and designs that could change the world, unique pairings and more, all in the name of building a future that is sustainable, equitable and accessible for all. The immersive experience will feature Bill Nye, Pattie Gonia, HBO Max’s “Legendary,” Kal Penn, SHAED, Mariah the Scientist and more. Bring YOUR voice, because these are OUR futures. Let’s make them work.

Friday

The Sculpture Garden Ice Rink opens! Tie up your laces and hit the ice. The ice rink is open until March 6 (weather permitting).

5:30pm-8:30pm: Holiday Tree Lighting at Color Burst Ice Rink
Come together for a bold and bright celebration at our inaugural tree lighting and the opening of our ice rink! They’re bringing the cheer with live holiday performances, ice carving demonstrations, kids crafts and more. Write a letter to Santa, sip on a cup of chocolate from a hot cocoa bar and skate a lap around Color Burst Ice Rink. To kick off the most wonderful time of the year, the tree lighting festivities are free to the public. RSVP here and purchase tickets to ice skate here.

Saturday

9:30am-12:30pm: Moomin Animations: Thrills + Cuddles – The Music of Moominvalley
Join composers Samuli Kosminen & Jarmo Saari on livestream for a musical ride to the fantasy world of Moomins! Hear more about how the heart-warming score music of the award-winning Moominvalley TV series (Gutsy Animations, 2019) was made. Discover the most bizarre instruments used to create the perfect sound. Use your ears to “watch” scenes, discover the sounds different instruments make, and learn more about the basics of composing! Recommended ages: 3+ with the duration of 30 minutes. This event will take place both virtually + in person. To attend this event in person, you must reserve tickets to visit National Children’s Museum on November 20, 2021, during the morning session from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. At the time of the event, Museum staff will invite you to gather in the Moomin Animations – Thrills and Cuddles exhibit located in the Museum’s Visiting Exhibit Hall. You do not need to register for the event using the form below if attending in person. If you’re choosing to attend the event in person, please note that the event will be livestreamed and recorded for on demand viewing. To attend this event virtually, please register using the below form. You will receive access credentials to join the virtual program via email.

10:00am-12:00pm: Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade
Larger than life inflatable turkeys and penguins, glittering floats, marching bands, dancing groups, and Santa and his elves! The Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade is the only Thanksgiving Parade in the metro DC area. Held in downtown Silver Spring, the exciting parade traditionally heralds the start of the holiday season. The parade steps off from Ellsworth Drive and Fenton Street and proceeds south on Georgia Avenue, ending at Silver Spring Avenue.

10:00am-8:00pm: Outdoor Holiday Market & Charlie Brown Concert
Join BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown, MD for an outdoor holiday market plucked right out of a European folktale followed by a live indoor concert of jazzy holiday standards with the Eric Byrd Trio at 8:00 P.M.! Food, games, photos with Santa, holiday music, crafts, games, and surprises, this festive season kickoff only needs one thing- your family- to complete its winter wonderland magic.

10:00am-1:00pm: Fall Train Rides
All aboard the Fall Train at The Station at Riverdale! The Fall Train will be pulling away from The Station for the entire family to explore the community and take a pit stop at one of The Station’s retailers and restaurants. Guests can also enjoy some festive fall arts and crafts, glitter temporary tattoos, and more. Register for free at the link above!

Sunset – 9:00pm: National Harbor Tree Lighting & Fireworks
Watch the 54-foot tree comes to life nightly with a breathtaking light show in the heart of the Waterfront District. Show runs on the half an hour from sunset to 9pm. Join Saturday nights from November 13 – December 18 at 5:30pm for a spectacular fireworks display.

Sunday

1:30pm: Sky Survey with Artist-in-Residence Tommy Bobo
Meet National Children’s Museum artist-in-residence Tommy Bobo under the blue awnings on Woodrow Wilson Plaza for some Sky Survey fun! First, observe the sky above at the Sky Survey Drawing Tables. Record what you see in a drawing, which will become a part of the collaborative art installation inside the Museum’s Entry Hall! Then, get a behind-the-scenes look at the technology that brings to life the digital portion of the installation. Recommended for all ages. This programming is included in the price of admission for the afternoon session of November 21. Reserve your tickets.

2:00pm-4:00pm: Movie on the Potomac- Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
Pack your chairs, grab food to go from one of the delicious dining establishments, and meet on the Plaza’s big screen for a FREE evening of fun for all ages!

Plan ahead

We have a special discount code to see Dr Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical., giving you the opportunity to purchase three tickets and get one FREE. Offer is eligible for select-seats only, evening performances through 12/2. Eligible dates include 11/23, 11/24, 11/26, 11/27, 11/30, 12/1, 12/2. To redeem this offer,

Visit The National Theatre website.
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical – On sale now! –> Buy Tickets
You will be redirected to Ticketmaster.
Enter code MAMAWHO at check out.
Enjoy the show!

Holiday prep {updated lists to come}

Stocking stuffers under $10
G ift Guide for Kids
Memberships & Experiences
Subscription Boxes

Recent posts

Survive Daylight Savings
Volunteer opportunities
Winter camps & classes

Winter camps and classes in and around Washington, DC

November 4, 2021

Thanksgiving camps:

Nov. 24: HoopEd
Throughout the school year, HoopEd offers special, one to five-day sports camps for children, ages 5-13, who are out of school due to Federal holidays, parent-teacher conferences, professional development days and winter/spring break. Camps are held in the gyms and playgrounds of local area schools between the hours of 9:00am and 3:00pm with after care available until 5:30pm.

Nov. 24: Silver Stars Gymnastics
Throughout camp the kids learn progressive gymnastics skills on all of the four Olympic events: vault, bars, balance beam, and floor exercise. In addition we incorporate other fun equipment: Tumble Trak, Double Mini, Olympic Competitive Trampolines, Rings, Zip Line and Rope.

Nov. 23 & Nov. 24: Squash on Fire
Designed for players of every skill level, our junior camps focus on drills, matchplay, strategy, and fitness. Your kids will make new friends while improving their squash! Thanksgiving camp will run from 9:30 am – 3:30 pm on 11/23 and 11/24 with lunch included, and participants will be broken into groups based on age and playing level. Juniors between 6 – 18 years old are welcome to participate. The cost for one day is $175 per player.

Nov. 26: My Gym Potomac
Drop your kids off for three hours of cool and nonstop fun at My Gym including games, crafts, gymnastics and sports!

Winter camps:

Dec. 20 – Dec. 31: HoopEd Sports Camp

Dec. 20 – Dec. 30: Squash on Fire

Dec. 23 & Dec. 27 – 30: Dynamite Gymnastics

Dec 23 – 31: My Gym Potomac

Dec. 23 – Dec. 31: Gymnastics Camp at Silver Stars

Dec. 27-30: Woodland Horse Center

Winter classes:

Adventure Theatre: Musical theatre classes for grades K-5 and 5-12

Anna Banana Arts & Crafts: Art classes in Glover Park for 2-10 year olds

Bach 2 Rock: Weekly music and movement classes for toddlers

Brazilian–American Cultural Center: Capoeira for youth and adults as well as Portuguese language classes, yoga, various types of Brazilian dance and youth art classes

Brit-Am Soccer Academy: Small group soccer classes and lessons starting with toddlers and going up to 2nd grade

CREATE Arts Center: CREATE offers an exciting mix of on-site art classes year-round for children ages 2-16, such as: Drawing and Painting, Mixed Media Art, Comics & Cartooning, Kids Pottery, Family Pottery and more

Creative Youth: Sewing classes for ages 7-17

Dance & Gymnastics classes can be found here

DC Soccer Club: Soccer program starting at age 3 going through high school

District Dabble Lab: Art classes for Kindergarten-grade 6 using a variety of materials and techniques

Edlavitch DCJCC: Offers child & caregiver classes as well as afternoon classes and camps

Happy Little Art Studio: Offering a variety of art classes in-person and virtual

Imagination Stage: Theme-based classes for children ages 1 – 18

International School of Music: Offering in-person and virtual music classes

Just For Kids: A variety of sports classes for ages 18months – 11 year olds

Kicks are for Kids: Small group soccer classes at various locations

Miss Amy’s Music Makers: Offering virtual music class as well as class at an outdoor park for children under the age of 6

Montgomery County Recreation Department: An enormous variety of classes for all ages (don’t have to be a Montgomery Co resident to enroll)

My Gym Potomac: Outdoor classes, sports, dance, ninja and mixed-sibling classes for kids ages 3 months – 10 years old

Red Panda Art Studio: Morning and after-school classes for ages 2-10, in-studio and outdoor workshop options

Silver Stars Gymnastics: Classes for children ages 18 months and up

Squash on Fire: Whether you are a beginner or an advanced player, the coaching staff has the talent and experience to help you improve your squash game for kids and adults

Super Soccer Stars: Soccer for kids 12 months to 6 years old

Synetic Theater: Each Saturday morning class will have a theme/focus for kids grades K-12.

Tinkergarten: Outdoor and virtual classes for kids 1.5-8 years old, refer to a previous post we wrote for more insight

Tunes 4 Tots: Music classes for kids 4 and under

Quick Feet: Soccer for 2-7 year olds in DC, MD and VA

Parent groups:
Group for first and second time Moms PACE
Returning to work after maternity leave through Mindful Return

Indoor gyms:
My Gym Bethesda & Potomac
BusyBees
Gymboree
MoCo Movement

Halloweekend in and around Washington, DC

October 29, 2021

My kids have been counting down to Halloween for a month & it’s finally here!! Tons of DPR events scheduled for today but check links to verify if they are still on due to the rain. There’s also plenty of farms still open and welcoming pickers!

Friday
3:30pm: Story Pirates Halloween Party and Costume Contest
Creator Campers are hard at work this month creating the New Halloween City, and you’re invited to visit during our FREE virtual Halloween party on October 29th! Wear your costumes for our Zoom parade and see what costumes the Story Pirates are wearing while we play games and celebrate at the silliest Halloween party there is!

3:30pm-5:30pm: Afternoon Fright and Fun at Lafayette-Pointer
A fun-filled afternoon of costumes, candy, and activities.

3:30pm-5:30pm: Afternoon Fright and Fun at Glover Park
A fun-filled afternoon of costumes, candy, and activities.

4:00pm-7:00pm: Trick or Treat Pit Stop at Sherwood
Make a ‘pit stop’ for treats and festivities.

4:00pm-7:00pm: Halloween at Palisades
A fun-filled evening of activities, candy, and a costume contest.

4:30pm-6:30pm: Community Boo Treats at Fort Stevens
Stop by for harvest holiday fun with sweets, face paintings, and crafts.

5:00pm-8:30pm: Trunk or Treat at Joe Cole
Children will safely get candy from participating community members in the parking lot.

5:00pm-7:00pm: Trick or Treat at Deanwood Recreation Center
Participants will be able to trick or treat inside of Deanwood Recreation Center.

5:00pm-7:00pm: Glow in the Dark Egg Hunt Takoma
Search for candy filled glow in the dark eggs and do arts and craft activities.

5:00pm-6:00pm: Turkey Thicket Treat Giveaway
Come by and get a candy bag, handed out from the front door.

5:00pm-8:30pm: Raymond Haunted House
Thrill-seekers will love a frightful tour through the Raymond Haunted House. Or enjoy non-spooky activities including a costume contest, dance battles with spooky music, and bobbing for apples.

5:30pm-7:30pm: HOWL-o-ween Parade at Columbia Heights
The Halloween parade will be for children and dogs to dress up in costumes and strut around the community. Candy and refreshments provided.

5:30pm-7:30pm: Hill-O-Ween
Capitol Hill celebrates Halloween as a community each year in front of Eastern Market on 7th St.

5:30pm-8:30pm: Haunted Walk Through at Arthur Capper
Enjoy a haunted walk through to celebrate Halloween.

6:00pm-8:00pm: Trunk or Treat at Emery Heights
Trunk Or Treat Halloween Extravaganza.

6:00pm-8:30pm: Kenilworth Gravesite Grab and Go
Come dressed in your best Halloween costume and pick up a pre-packaged bag of treats.

6:00pm-7:30pm: Halloween Costume Parade at Edgewood Recreation Center
Show off your costume and get some candy.

6:00pm-8:00pm: Halloween at Shepherd Park
Fun-filled Halloween activities.

6:00pm-8:00pm: Trunk or Treat at Fort Stanton
Trunk Or Treat Halloween Extravaganza.

6:00pm-8:00pm: Hillcrest Haunted Alley Fright Night
Attendees will enjoy a fun-filled spooky hallway and ‘Trunk Or Treat’ in the parking lot.

6:00pm-8:00pm: Riggs-LaSalle Treat Giveaway
A fun evening of music, games, and a costume contest.

6:00pm-8:20pm: Glow in the Park
Glow in the Park at the Adventure Park at Sandy Spring is available on select dates but some are sold out. 2 hours of climbing & ziplining, additional 40 minutes for the initial orientation. Tickets available every 10 minutes starting at 6pm until 8:20pm.

6:00pm-8:00pm: Ridge Road Halloween Party
Come join The Ridge Road Community for their electrifying, full of fun and energy, scary activities, candy, games, face painting, dance contest, best costume , Famous spooky wall ,and more! This event is for ages 0-18

6:00pm-8:30pm: Spooktacular at Color Burst Park
For one evening, The Merriweather District will be transformed into a festive Halloween space for the whole family to enjoy! Some of the Spook – tivities will include: Pick your own pumpkin at our very own pumpkin patch and give it a spooky makeover. Trick-or-Treat around Color Burst Park. Enjoy a Halloween themed movie night featuring Hocus Pocus complete with popcorn and candy. Costumes are highly encouraged! This event is free and family-friendly. Bring your picnic blanket and snacks to enjoy movie night.

Saturday
9:30am-11:00am: Hirshhorn Howl-o-ween
The Hirshhorn is hosting its first-ever dog-friendly event, just in time for Halloween. Join with (or without) your dog for a morning of costumes and coffee in the Hirshhorn’s outdoor Sculpture Garden. Dress up your pup, and if they’re feeling fierce, sign them up to strut their stuff in our furry fashion contest ($25 to register, free for Hirshhorn Insiders) for the chance to win a few special prizes. Local experts District Dogs will be there to keep the dog party going with free activities like peanut butter portraits. This event is open to all ages, and kids are encouraged to join in on the fun with Hirshhorn-inspired creative projects geared toward little artists.

10:00am-3:00pm: Fall Frolic at Lee-Fendall House
Enjoy some seasonal family fun in the garden of the Lee-Fendall House during the Fall Frolic! Put on your Halloween costumes and join for activities catered to children ages 3-12. Activities include a “ghost” hunt, crafts, and a costume parade. Timed tickets must be purchased in advance.

10:00am-11:00am: Haunted Halloween Hunt at Tudor Place
Experience Halloween at Tudor Place with a spooky one-of-a-kind scavenger hunt. Wear your costume and come with your friends and family. Create a creepy craft to take home, then explore the garden to discover bats, spiders and other outdoor Halloween secrets. Scavenger hunt finishers will receive a special prize. Suggested Ages: 7 – 12 years old. Pre-registration is required. Capacity is limited.

10:00am-12:00pm: PIKEkids Trick-or-Treating
PikeKIDS annual Trick or Treat is back! Bring your little ones for a fun morning of Trick or Treating around the neighborhood and stay for brunch. Tickets required and all proceeds benefit Manna Food Center.

10:00am-5:00pm: Air & Scare at Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
Air & Scare Outside will feature: Trick or treat stations with free candy and snacks. Creepy crafts, spooky experiments, and other Halloween-themed activities for family members of all ages. Special story times and puppet shows for the youngest Halloween revelers. Photo opportunities with your favorite Star Wars characters. This year many of our Star Wars friends can also be visited at activity stations. A chance to enter a costume contest to win sweet prizes (get all the details and rules). Can’t join the fun in person? Check out the Air & Scare at Home virtual activities.

11:00am-12:00pm: Día de los Muertos Virtual Family Program
The National Postal Museum is delighted to collaborate with the National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) to create a virtual family program that celebrates Day of the Dead | Día de los Muertos. The United States Postal Service (USPS) is issuing its first-ever Día de los Muertos stamps in 2021, and these Smithsonian museums are commemorating this special issue by bringing unique educational content to a virtual audience. This program includes an author reading of Dia de los Muertos by Roseanne Greenfield Thong. Educational staff from the Postal Museum and NMAI will lead the audience through some special connections between the book, the holiday, and their collections, and the program will conclude with a craft demonstration. This program is recommended for ages 3-7 but all are welcome!

11:00am-6:00pm: BlackRock Center for Arts Lil Pumpkins Festival
Explore, celebrate and engage in the arts at BlackRock with a day of spooktacular celebration of family programming with free pumpkins, improv workshops, exhibits, trick-or-treating, visual arts, haunted hip-hop, The Rocky Horror Picture Show beginning at 11:00am. From 2:00 – 6:00pm Lil’ pumpkin festival: free pumpkins for ages 11 and under, photo booth (Time TBD), Lil’ pumpkin painting, and Mommy Daddy beer garden! From 2:00 – 5:00pm – LIL’ pumpkins festival trick or treating at 3:00pm, 4:00 pm, and 5:00pm Lil’ pumpkins festival costume parade. All persons must be masked when entering BlackRock’s facility, and all persons ages above the age of twelve entering the facility must show proof of vaccination.

12:00pm: sPETacular Halloween Parade
The Shepherd Park Citizens Association (SPCA) is hosting its First Annual sPETacular Halloween Parade and Costume Contest at Noon at the Parks at Walter Reed proves Halloween is for furbabies too! Prizes are generously donated by One Leg Up Pets, Big Bad Wood Pet Store, and other vendors will be awarded by celebrity judges Carin Ruff of Dog-Friendly Shepherd Park, Vickie Davis of Hines Urban Atlantic, and Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis-George. Register your dog for FREE or come to cheer on your favorites. The event opens at Noon on 10/30/21 at the Parks at Walter Reed Dog Park. Enter at the Butternut gate and please wear a mask.

1:00pm-4:00pm: Nightmare on Elm Street Urban Park
You won’t find Freddy Kreuger here, but come out to Montgomery Parks’ FREE Nightmare on Elm Street Halloween event at Elm Street Urban Park for some spooky, silly fun! This FREE event will feature fun events for the whole family! No registration is required. Bring your appetite, because O’Boy Pizza and Ice Cream will be on-site to provide delicious food, along with a great Halloween disc jockey to get you in the spooky spirit! They will also have a fantastic “Trick or Treat Trails” scavenger hunt, lots of lawn games, and plenty of picnic seating. There will be tons of great Halloween props and decorations for you to snap pictures with.

1:00pm-3:00pm: Halloween Best in Show at The Boro
The Boro, Tyson’s premier destination for luxury urban living in the heart of Northern Virginia, is calling all furry friends to grab their favorite costumes for Best in Show at The Boro! Celebrate the spookiest day of the year with festive treats and activities for the whole family on Hallow’s-eve. Best in Show at The Boro will include a live DJ, themed photo booth, arts-and-crafts, trick-or-treating, and everyone’s favorite lawn games stationed around the park. In the feature event, guests can enter their pups for the ‘Best in Show Costume Contest’ for a chance to win baskets filled with Halloween-themed dog goodies! Owners can then reward their pets at the Bone Bar, a booth offering a festive selection of yummy treats meant for your four-legged friends.

2:00pm-6:00pm: Trick or Treat at Mount Vernon
Celebrate Halloween with 18th-century entertainment and activities. Collect candy in your special Mount Vernon treat bag around the historic grounds. Watch Halloween-themed Punch & Judy shows at 2:30 & 4:00 p.m. on the Bowling Green. Watch and Learn about 18th century magic in the Upper Garden at 3:30 & 5:00 p.m. See an 18th-century chocolate-making demonstration and sample a chocolate treat (while supplies last) in the North Grove. Learn about 18th-century Wool Carding along the South Lane. Watch sparks fly at the Blacksmith Shop. Enjoy musical entertainment on the Bowling Green. Find out about our Hog Island sheep, a breed dating back to Washington’s time, at the Stables.

4:00pm-11:00pm: Drive thru Trick or Treat
DC Party Box is bringing back a contactless drive thru trick or treating Halloween experience in Rockville. Take a drive-thru a spooktacular village with plenty of stops for treats (and tricks) along the way. They’re bringing the thrill to the whole family, with excitement and scares to delight all spook levels. Purchase a “treat” ticket for all individuals in the car that would like candy, and/or purchase a “trick” ticket for all individuals who are just along for the spook of it. EVERYONE in the car must have a ticket and stay in the car.

4:30pm: Luchadora at Adventure Theatre
Luchadora! closes this weekend! Join Adventure for story about defying gender norms, following one’s dreams, and appreciating the ties that bind a family together! From headlocks to power kicks, “Luchadora!” has it all!

5:00pm-10:00pm: OFC’s House of Terror and Family Trunk or Treat
The Old Firehouse is transforming the inside of the center into the spookiest, scariest, walk-through experience in McLean. The House of Terror will be divided into two time slots:• No Scares 5–7 p.m.: Participants can walk through the lighted path and view our actors and actresses with no jumps, scares or fears.• All Scares 7:30–10 p.m.: The effects are on, the lights are off, and the actors and actresses are out of sight and ready to surprise. Trunk or Treat: Saturday, Oct. 30, 6–9 p.m. Free for kids of all ages; preregistration is not required. If the House of Terror isn’t your thing, no worries! Outside, the OFC’s Trunk or Treat will have some music, fun and themed vehicles with Halloween candy to share while supplies last.

6:00pm-8:00pm: Trunk or Treat at Emery Heights
Trunk or treat Halloween extravaganza.

6:00pm-9:00pm: Roving Leaders Zombie Fest
What does it look like when the Zombie Apocalypse hits The Nation’s Capital? Join us and see for yourself as the DPR roving leaders turn NW DC into a doomsday theme park.

6:00pm-9:00pm: Halloween Spooktacular
The St. James Halloween Spooktacular is a great way to enjoy a fun-filled, safe Halloween evening. Bring your own blanket for socially-distanced family movie night in The St. James Field House. 6:00-7:00 PM: Trick-or-Treating. Pre-wrapped candy will be distributed with gloves. Masks required for all employees and unvaccinated guests. 6:30 PM: Field House open for blanket set up, food pick-up and candy sorting. 7:00-8:30 PM: Kid friendly movie (TBD) begins in the Field House 8:30-9:00 PM: Costume Contest – (Winner wins a free SAA birthday party!).

Sunday
9:00am, 11:00am & 2:00pm: Brick Fest Live at FedEX Field
LEGO fans unite! LIVE interactive stage shows, life-size models, games, photo ops, limited edition merchandise and more.

11:00am: Luchadora at Adventure Theatre
Luchadora! closes this weekend! Join Adventure for story about defying gender norms, following one’s dreams, and appreciating the ties that bind a family together! From headlocks to power kicks, “Luchadora!” has it all!

11:00am-2:00pm: Bark Social Fall Fest & Puppy Parade
Fall fest will include activities such as: Duo donut grab with you and your pup, bobbing for apples, ring toss, straw bale pyramid, pumpkin calligraphy, cookie decorating, and much more! There’s something for everyone — you’ll be sure to leave the park with a a bag full of goodies. Silver Branch Brewing and Frankly Vodka will be giving out drinks as well for the adults. Afterwards, get the pups in a row and parade around Pike & Rose. Yes, prizes will definitely be given out to best dressed in three categories: (1) Best buddies joint costume (you + your dog), (2) Best dog costume, and (3) Best group costume (2+ humans and dogs).

11:00am-1:00pm: Rumpus Room Family Dance Party, Halloween Special
The Rumpus Room, DC’s only daytime dance party for families, returns for Halloween! This October we’ll be getting (slightly) spooky, outdoors under the sun, so put on your costumes and come dance with us! Get ready for a dance floor filled with little ghosts, goblins, witches, dragons, and pumpkins of all ages. Relive your night-life glory days and show off those rusty moves with your little ones in tow. The soundtrack for the day will be a family-friendly mix of dance floor and Halloween classics, all at a kid-friendly volume.

12:00pm & 5:00pm Laurie Berkner’s Virtual Halloween Concert
Ready for a spooktacular Halloween experience? Beloved children’s musician Laurie Berkner invites families to stop in for a spell HERE. For double the fun, a family ticket grants admission to both livestreams. For kids who are all dressed up with nowhere to ghost, Laurie’s shows will give the season of costumes, candy, and jack-o’-lanterns a real “BOO-st.” Laurie hopes families will join her in displaying their pumpkins, putting up their Halloween decorations, and getting decked out in their Halloween costume finery.

2:00pm-5:00pm: Spooktacular on Connecticut Avenue
The Chevy Chase Citizens Association is reviving Spooktacular – to be held on Connecticut Avenue in Chevy Chase, DC. Restaurants and store owners will provide goodies for costumed trick-or-treaters.

2:00pm: Luchadora at Adventure Theatre
Luchadora! closes this weekend! Join Adventure for story about defying gender norms, following one’s dreams, and appreciating the ties that bind a family together! From headlocks to power kicks, “Luchadora!” has it all!

3:00pm-5:00pm: Halloween drive-through at Chevy Chase Community Center (parking lot)
The Metropolitan Police Department (Second District), Metro Transit Police, and Starbucks invites you to join us for a fun & safe Halloween event for the entire family! Just pull up and each child will receive a bag filled with lots of treats and surprises.

Weekend picks in and around Washington, DC

October 22, 2021

The biggest and best Halloween guide is here! From here until Halloween there are many fun events happening, especially this weekend and next! We’ve bee updating it almost daily as events roll in.

Fall is here, which means there’s plenty of fruit to pick, perfect pumpkins to be found and fall festivals happening every weekend!

We are so thrilled that we were able to update the theatre and musical productions blog post with in-person shows!

Thanks for all of the love on our first reel! Hopefully it got you excited for the fun holiday events at Gaylord National.

Maryland STEM Festival lasts through November 14 with several family friendly events including a parade, fair and more.

Artechouse: Life of a Nueron through November 28

Van Gosh: The Immersive Experience through January

Family-friendly drive in movies from DC Party Box; Spooktober themed!

Maryland Renaissance Fair– final weekend to get your turkey leg!

Luchadora at Adventure Theatre through October 31

LuminoCity at Roer’s Zoofari immersive light festival through January 2

Friday
Howl-O-Ween at Gateway’s Interim Dog Park!: 3:00pm-7:00pm
The Rosslyn BID and the Rosslyn Dog Owners Group (R-DOGS) are teaming up for a Halloween themed evening of dog-friendly activities, treats and fun in celebration of Rosslyn’s new Interim Dog Park at Gateway Park West. Rosslyn’s pet community is invited to enjoy local pet-themed vendors, speakers, a social media dog costume contest and giveaways! Plus, raffle tickets will be sold to help raise funds for the addition of agility features to our dog park!

Halloween Festival at Confetti: 5:00pm-8:00pm
It’s spooky season and the party is brewing at Confetti! Get your child’s costume ready – they’re launching a series of community holiday parties with a fun filled Halloween Extravaganza! Kids will enjoy an evening full of creating memories with friends, sugar cookie decorating, pizza and spooky snacks (enjoyed outside), age-appropriate Halloween games, a costume contest, and a glow-in-the dark dance party. Costumes are strongly encouraged! This drop-off event has two sessions, one for ages 6+ and one for ages 10+.

Halloween Family Movie Night: 5:00pm-7:00pm
DPR is hosting family movie night; Hocus Pocus at Joseph Cole Recreation Center.Click here for all of DPR’s Halloween events throughout DC.

Saturday
Mount Vernon Harvest Days: 9:00am-5:00pm
Celebrate the crisp autumn season with 18th-century activities and demonstrations at the Farm at Mount Vernon. Join for a fall celebration featuring 18th-century farming demonstrations. During this event, you can: Explore the Farm, Meet General Washington, View demonstrations of 18th-century cooking, candle making, surveying, and coopering (making and repairing buckets and barrels), Visit with the Farrier to learn how horseshoeing was performed in the 18th century, Watch 18th-century spinning demonstrations & Learn about textile production.

Halloween in the Garden: 10:00am-4:00pm
Join for a family-friendly Halloween festival at the beautiful 30 acre park. With timed-entry tickets and activities spread out across the park, there will be lots of room for everyone. More than 50 local businesses and organizations will be there handing out treats for the kids, plus there will be fun and games, a DJ dance party, food trucks, and more! Dress up the whole family and come enjoy a spooktakular day at Annmarie! THIS IS A MASK-ON EVENT; masks are required for all guests over the age of 2. Click here for detailed event and safety information and register in advance.

Barracks Row OctROWberfest: 11:00am-9:00pm
Come out to support our local businesses this October to celebrate Munich-style. Join for live music from a traditional Oompah band and more fun.

Spooky Pooch Howl-o-ween Celebration: 3:00pm-5:00pm
Hightail it to Hillwood Estate, Museum & Garden with your four-legged friend for some Halloween fun! Inspired by Marjorie Post’s affection for dogs and the memorial dog cemetery she created at Hillwood, we welcome you and your four-legged friend to join us for Halloween fun! Explore the gardens and participate in the annual costume competition. Strut your mutt and size up the other canine contestants.

Rock the Park: 4:00pm-10:00pm
The new and improved Franklin Park will host its inaugural concert series, Rock the Park DC. Presented by the DowntownDC BID, the free, family-friendly outdoor music series features a diverse line-up of live music and DJ sets from local favorites to international headliners. Curated by Abby O’Neill and Adrian Loving, this series will cover a wide spectrum of genres including jazz, soul, R&B, reggae, hip-hop, electronic and soulful house music. These concerts will be held rain or shine! Lawn chairs and blankets are welcome. See you there!

Sunday
Mount Vernon Harvest Days: 9:00am-5:00pm
Celebrate the crisp autumn season with 18th-century activities and demonstrations at the Farm at Mount Vernon. Join for a fall celebration featuring 18th-century farming demonstrations. During this event, you can: Explore the Farm, Meet General Washington, View demonstrations of 18th-century cooking, candle making, surveying, and coopering (making and repairing buckets and barrels), Visit with the Farrier to learn how horseshoeing was performed in the 18th century, Watch 18th-century spinning demonstrations & Learn about textile production.

Chevy Chase Art Walk: 12:00pm-5:00pm
Guests are invited to visit the work of 43 local artists in 22 different home and studio settings around Chevy Chase DC and Maryland. Artists whose work is both two and three dimensional will be exhibiting during an expanded event over two consecutive days. This talented group will offer work in a wide range of media including abstract and representational painting, sculpture, jewelry, pottery, ceramic art, photography, fabric art, mixed media and video. Don’t forget to pick up your Prize Passport which will be offered at each of the Studios – collect stamps from 9 studios with chances to win one of three cash prizes! The walk will be held rain or shine while observing Covid protocols, specifically wearing masks indoors. The Art Walk is free and open to the public.

Free the Trees at the Palisades Rec Center: 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Join the Little Falls Watershed Alliance to save our native plants from non-native invasive plants. Using hand tools, to remove strangling vines and smothering bushes to give native plants a chance to breathe and grow. Meet at the parking lot and bring gloves or clippers or use ours. Dress to protect from angry vines and thorns. Pre-approved for MCPS SSL hours. Kids ages 13 and under MUST be accompanied by an adult supervisor.

Día de los Muertos at the Wharf: 2:00pm-5:00pm
Celebrate the Day of the Dead at The Wharf with live music, street food, a beer garden, face painting, sugar skull decorating, and more to District Pier in partnership with Modelo and Fiesta DC. Plus, they will be giving out prizes for most authentic outfit!

25th Annual Del Ray Halloween Parade: 2:00pm
The 25th Annual Del Ray Halloween Parade will take place on Mount Vernon Avenue beginning at E. Bellefonte Avenue. Contests for Best Decorated House, Best Decorated Business, Best Group Costume and Best Pet Costume will take place online click here to enter. Other favorite traditions — including the Halloween Scavenger Hunt on the Avenue, and the Halloween costume drive for children in need, will take place throughout the month of October. To limit crowding, they are encouraging FREE advance registration at multiple entrance points.

Mask making at The Loft Collective: 3:00pm or 4:00pm
They’ll supply the basic mask, fur and feathers, paint and pastels, glitter and glue. You bring your ideas! Ages 4-10, parent attendance encouraged with younger children. COVID safety policies in effect: please pre-register so we can manage numbers, and masks are required indoors at all times.

Date nights:
Grief & Ghost Tours at Lee-Fendall House: Saturday & Sunday from 7:00pm-9:00pm
Celebrate Halloween with a look at Victorian mourning traditions coupled with stories of tragic deaths and mysterious occurrences at the Lee-Fendall House. Customs such as draping the mirrors after a death, funeral practices, hair mementos, mourning clothing, and séances will be explored. These tours offer a rare opportunity to see the house after dark! Tickets are $15 per person. Tours groups will be limited to 10 participants and tickets must be purchased in advance.

Halloween Hayride & Haunted Bonfire: Saturday from 7:30pm-11:30pm
Enjoy a tractor driven hayride in the darkness with demons and devils. You will then gather around a HAUNTED bonfire where you can enjoy roasting hotdogs, marshmallows and making s’mores (all will be provided and included in the ticket)! Sing songs, play games, tell frightening stories or just socialize and enjoy the stars and the open night air. Other dates and times available.

Plan ahead:
Jeff Kinney Big Shot Drive Thru: Tuesday, October 26
Natural History at Home: Paleo Portraits: Saturday, November 13

Weekend picks in and around Washington, DC

October 15, 2021

Did you see, we made our first reel?! Phew, that took a lot of effort, thanks as always for your support. Make sure to check out the reel for a peak into the holidays at Gaylord National.

All weekend
The biggest and best Halloween guide is here! From here until Halloween there are many fun events happening.

Fall is here, which means there’s plenty of fruit to pick, perfect pumpkins to be found and fall festivals happening every weekend!

We are so thrilled that we were able to update the theatre and musical productions blog post with in-person shows!

Maryland STEM Festival lasts through November 14 with several family friendly events including a parade, fair and more.

The 28th Annual Loudoun Fall Farm Tour boasts over two dozen locations as part of this exciting tour through rural Virginia. Of these many farms, Hope Flower Farm will be open and inviting guests to wander through the blooming dahlia fields, picnic and take photos on the lovely 25 acre farm.

Artechouse: Life of a Nueron

Van Gosh: The Immersive Experience

Family-friendly drive in movies from DC Party Box; Spooktober themed!

La llamada de Sylvia Méndez at Gala Hispanic Theatre

Maryland Renaissance Fair only 2 more weekends!

The Okee Dokee Brothers at McLean Community Center

Luchadora at Adventure Theatre

Friday
1:00pm-2:00pm: Maryland STEM Festival: Railroad Bridge Engineering Workshop
As part of the Maryland STEM Festival, the Museum is offering a special educational workshop for kids & families! In this workshop, participants will learn what it takes to be a railroad bridge engineer by designing and building a railroad bridge that will be able to withstand the weight of a train car. This workshop is included with regular Museum Admission, and participants are welcome to drop in any time from 1-2 PM!

6:00pm-9:00pm: LuminoCity Festival Holiday Lights at Roer’s Zoofari
Be ready to enter a world straight out of your wildest imaginations as you step into our unforgettably spectacular night of lights in Roer’s Zoofari. Set upon a world lit up with towering lit-up sculptures, The LuminoCity Festival will take you to a dazzling new world with Lumi, the LuminoCity mascot, as your guide. The immersive outdoor event will be a festive, and timed-entry experience for guests of all ages! We have an all-new exhibit entitled Lumi’s Utopia and we will be bringing back Lumi’s Friends this year for another exciting holiday festival. Lighting up Virginia from October 15, 2021 to January 2, 2022.

6:00pm-9:00pm: Outdoor movie at The Lane: Hocus Pocus
It’s like a normal movie night, but WAY BETTER. Not your living room, order from the cafe for dinner (popcorn is free!), and they’ll clean up all of the tiny pieces of popcorn that end up everywhere. Hocus Pocus will be on the big screen so come ready for a spooky good time. Comfy clothes and PJs welcome! We’ll have blankets set out for each family. Free for members! Cost is $20/kid (adults are free) for non-members. Reserve your spot here.

Saturday
10:00am: Brunch on the Go
Brunch on the Go is back at The Yards! They’re partnering with Pacers to produce a cardio club alongside a brunching set from some of The Yards’ favorite restaurant spots. How it Works: Purchase a ticket for two that will include a walk or run around The Yards with instruction from Pacers. After the workout, guests will head to pick up their brunch to-go box at the participating restaurant for the date selected.

10:00am: Frying Pan Farm Family Farm Day
Celebrate Frying Pan Farm Park’s 60th Anniversary. Food trucks – tours – tractor parade – fun photo ops – farm demonstrations – more!

10:30am: The Animation Behind Moominvalley
How does animation work? Join Moominvalley director, Jay Grace, to hear all about how the award-winning Moominvalley TV series came to life! You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the show’s creative process—from character sketches to the completed, 3D animation. Follow along as the story transforms from text to a gorgeous animation, and learn a few tricks on how to draw Moomintroll on your own! Recommended for ages 6+.

10:30am: Djembe Drumming at the Kreeger Museum
Join teaching artist Manny Arciniega for a drum circle exploring the foundations of rhythm!

11:00am: Natural History at Home: Creativity and Communication – Exploring the Art of Ancient Humans
Join museum educators on ZOOM as they walk your family through science skill-building activities and ways to explore the natural world and collections. During this program, families will explore art made by ancient humans! Anthropologist Briana Pobiner will join us to share about different artifacts from our collection, the Hall of Human Origins exhibit, and from other locations around the world. Together we will make observations of these objects to learn more about how art and imagination have been a part of our human story here on this planet. Both throughout and after the program, families will be encouraged to create art together using methods and inspiration from ancient human artworks and artifacts.

11:00am-2:00pm: All Saints Fall Festival
Fun for all ages! Food, bounce houses, s’mores, prizes, pumpkin patch, playground, bake sale, Thrift Shop sale, music & *much* more. All are welcome! Tickets only $10 per person & includes games and lunch. Click HERE for advance tickets.

12:00pm-4:00pm: Kids Euro Festival: Sweedish Embassy
Join the European Union and our Member States for one of the largest performing arts festivals for children in America: The Kids Euro Fest will feature in-person European performances, interactive workshops, food vendors and music that everyone in your family will enjoy. As always, the Kids Euro Fest is completely FREE, but please make sure to RSVP and review the EU’s privacy policy here.

12:00pm-5:00pm: Jam Session at the COOP
A benefit concert for Small Things Matter to find the Kokua Foods Food Bank, serving over 1000 families and individuals in Takoma Park, Silver Spring, Rockville and Hyattsville. There will be live music by Groovalicious, Marsha and the Positrons, and Flo Anito and Seth Kibel. Food trucks: Corned Beef King and Dalia’s Falafels, Beer by Main Street Pearl, wine by TPSS Coop, non-alcoholic drinks. Children’s activities: free or nominal cost.

2:00pm-6:00pm: Tails on the Rails
Welcoming four-legged friends to the B&O! Dogs will have a blast during this afternoon of exploration and play at the B&O Railroad Museum — and don’t worry, there are plenty of treats for owners too! Hit up a photo booth, including props, to take pictures with your pups that you’ll cherish forever, take a train ride to a puppy play date at Carroll Park, and finish off the day with a Yappy Hour under the B&O’s spacious outdoor pavilion! Tickets include one free beer or wine during Yappy Hour! 2-2:45 PM: Take pictures at Photo Station with props, 2:45 PM: Owners and dogs board train for train ride, 3:15-3:35 PM: Puppy Playdate at Carroll Park, 3:45 PM: Train Ride back to the B&O, 4-6 PM: Yappy Hour.

Sunday
12:00pm-1:30pm: Pumpkin Patch Express
Take a Halloween-decorated train ride out to the B&O’s pumpkin patch, located at the site of the First Mile Stable, kids will select a pumpkin, tour the stable and meet the horses. After returning to the B&O, kid’s will decorate their pumpkins, play carnival games, win prizes, enjoy a fall snack, and receive tokens to use on our children’s rides.

12:00pm-8:00pm: Colorful Fest
A Block Party & Fair from The Capital Pride Alliance at Dock 5, located at Union Market, featuring small independent businesses, community groups, artisans, food, and entertainment, with DC Tracy Young to headline the tea dance. You can also enjoy events by partners, the 15th DC Latinx Pride Official Dance Party, Club Pride, in partnership with the All Things Music Festival, Cake a Fall Pride Party, and the QTAAPI Cultural Festival. Join to celebrate the vibrant and colorful LGBTQ+ community!

2:00pm: Historia Natural En Casa: Mixtec & Mayan Language Past, Present and Future
Join museum educators on ZOOM as they walk your family through science skill-building activities and ways to explore the natural world. During this program, families will explore the importance of language to communities around the world. Join us as we welcome Dr. Omar Aguilar and Dr. Genner Llanes Ortiz who will share with us how they are passing knowledge of language to others. Families will look closely at ancient codices to learn how symbols and images are used to share knowledge in the past and today, too.

Plan ahead:
Natural History at Home: Paleo Portraits: Saturday, November 13

Weekend picks in and around Washington, DC

September 17, 2021

All weekend

Mount Vernon Colonial Market & Fair
Step back in time at Colonial Market & Fair, featuring food and wares made by colonial artisans. Take in the sights and sounds of the marketplace on Mount Vernon’s 12-acre field. Chat with colonial artisans selling traditional handcrafted food and wares. Hear live music from the colonial era. Watch as expert artisans demonstrate period crafting techniques. See General Washington in the General’s Tent. Colonial Market & Fair is included with general admission. Admission is free for Mount Vernon members.

National Book Festival
Create your National Book Festival experience with the Library of Congress in 2021 by engaging in author conversations online, watching the broadcast special on PBS, listening to NPR podcasts, tuning in to Washington Post Live author interviews and attending a ticketed event at the Library. Join an expanded Festival, Sept. 17-26, a 10-day event with the theme, “Open a Book, Open the World.”

Alexandria Old Town Art Festival
The 19th Annual Alexandria Old Town Art Festival is heading back to John Carlyle Square in 2021! Alexandria is recognized as one of the country’s premier artistic hubs. All artwork is juried, which provides a higher level of quality, diversity and creativity of art on display, exemplifying the gifted artists in regions from all over the country. The show is rated as one of the top 100 art shows in Sunshine Artist Magazine.

LUCHADORA! at Adventure Theatre
Debuting on Friday and playing through October 31. The discovery of a worn pink wrestling mask prompts Nana Lupita, a Wisconsin grandmother, to share her tale about growing up in 1960s Texas. As her tale unfolds, Lupita’s life as a teen tomboy comes alive—bike riding with her friends Leopold and Liesl, working at her father’s flower stand and lucha libre. When a World Championship match is announced, Lupita anticipates seeing it until she discovers her ailing father is one of the wrestlers. With the help of a magical mask maker, Lupita secretly trains to take her father’s place. She soon finds it difficult keeping her secret from her friends and, most importantly, her father.

Draw the Curtain
Created by Swiss-born artist Nicolas Party is now officially on view at HIRSHHORN, but its larger-than-life installation started a few weeks ago. This site-specific commission is an original pastel painting digitally collaged and printed onto scrim. Painted in the tradition of “trompe l’oeil,” the work addresses themes of dupery and illusion, inviting passersby to consider what lies behind the façades of the buildings in the nation’s capital.

Maryland Renaissance Fair
Take a time machine back to medieval times. With plenty of entertainment, including music, joisting, puppetry, pony rides and so much more. Dates are: September 18, 19, 25, 26; October 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24 Times are: 10:00am-7:00pm

Saturday

9:00am: Lincoln Cottage Family Day and 5K
Homecoming is the celebration of the 159th anniversary of Lincoln’s decision to issue the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation – at the very home where he drafted it. The 5K begins at 9:00am. After the race, join for Family Day! Throughout the day there will be pony rides, crafts, storytelling and more. Pack a family picnic to enjoy on the South Lawn. Admission to Family Day is free, however donations are encouraged. You are encouraged to pack a picnic and enjoy the grounds. Ruby Scoops will be on hand if you would like to add a sweet treat to your afternoon!

10:00am & 11:30am: Arts on the Horizon present By the Seashore
Both performances take place outdoors at: Leonadus K. Plenty Amphitheater at Lee District Park. By the Seashore takes us on a magical journey to a place children love to visit – the beach! Young audience members are invited to explore all the amazing things we find on the shore, in the ocean, and in the sky; from birds and fish, to sand and water, and everything in-between! Using an imaginative mix of puppetry, movement, and sound, this sensory-filled production is specifically designed for our youngest audience members. Best for children ages 0 – 3 and their families.

12:00pm-7:00pm: H Street Festival
H Street Festival is a highly anticipated and highly attended festival in Washington D.C. The festival is 11 blocks long and has 14 staging areas that are diversely themed and programmed to target the different segments of audiences. The staging areas feature music of different genres, dance, youth based performances, interactive children’s program, fashion, heritage arts, poetry and many more. They have activity stations that focus on participatory artwork, informational stations that promote arts education, and exhibitor stations that showcase D.C. based artists.

1:00pm-4:00pm: Chevy Chase DC Day at the Chevy Chase Community Center
Event highlights include, a zydeco band, Little Red and the Renegades, will perform throughout the festival. Other entertainment includes a juggler, magician, and balloon artist. There will be art shows and kids’ art projects, and much more. Ch/ART will help young artists make sidewalk chalk art and paper bag puppets. There will be yoga and dance demonstrations and instruction. The Fire department will provide big rigs and equipment demonstrations. Many DC government departments will participate including the Office of Planning to discuss the Small Area Plan. For residents of Wards 3 and 4, meet and greet with Councilmembers Cheh and George. A long-established tradition — the free Ice Cream giveaway — will be back.

6:00pm-9:30pm: Outdoor movie: SOUL
Head to Capitol Riverfront for Unity’s pop-up movie night! They’ll be playing the movie SOUL, and will feature the East of the River Steelband, food trucks, and of course…the movie! Tickets are $50/car, and include a snack pack, food voucher for use at the food trucks, and a giveaway. It should be a fun and safe night out for the family!

Recent posts:
Fall festivals, farms, orchards and events
International School of Music classes
National Children’s Museum re-opened

Weekend picks in and around Washington, DC

September 3, 2021

All weekend:

Field Day: A Three Day Festival for Emerging Voices
44:21 and Shout Mouse Press team up to celebrate emerging storytellers! Events include a short film festival featuring the work of young filmmakers, a reading featuring teen authors around the DMV, a writing workshop, and a community open mic. You’ll also get to enjoy live music, buy art from local artists, and buy books from local authors. Field Day: A Three Day Festival for Emerging Voices is part of the Kennedy Center’s 2021 Millennium Stage Summer Series, celebrating societal emergence from the pandemic and the return of live performance.

Washington Nationals host the New York Mets Friday-Sunday with 5 games. Be the one of the first 15k fans to get a Ryan Zimmerman Bobblehead on Friday, Saturday afternoon the first 5k kids can get a Screech travel pillow and on Saturday night you can see fireworks.

The curtain is closing on Fairy Tales in the Sun at Adventure Theatre this weekend. One show, two plays! While the production will be outside, in the grassy field next to ATMTC and the Irish Inn, strict COVID protocols will still be followed.

DC Jazz Festival is entertaining audiences through September 5, with 20+ concerts, interviews and exclusive events featuring international superstars and homegrown talent. The signature event, DC JazzFest at The Wharf will take place September 4-5, over Labor Day Weekend, as a hybrid of in-person and livestream performances to a worldwide audience.

The Big Bounce is in Washington, DC this weekend and next. The World’s Biggest Bounce House is now supersized to over 13,000 square feet and is joined by three amazing attractions for you all to explore: The Giant, America’s Largest Inflatable Obstacle Course, airSPACE and a brand new sports themed inflatable, Sport Slam!

Friday

6:15pm: NSO In Your Neighborhood: Montgomery College Cultural Arts Center
Taking place across three weeks in September, the NSO is pleased to bring In Your Neighborhood to new neighborhoods in Ward 4 and Silver Spring. Collaborating with neighborhood partners to safely offer people the opportunity to connect through the power of live music. Friday’s events include- Music and Mandala Making Workshop: 6:15–7 p.m & Full Orchestra Concert: 7:30 p.m.

Saturday

10:00am-7:00pm: Maryland Renaissance Fair
Take a time machine back to medieval times. With plenty of entertainment, including music, joisting, puppetry, pony rides and so much more. Dates are: September 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26; October 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24

1:30pm-7:30pm: SummerFest at Olney Outdoors
SummerFest is the grand finale of our Olney Outdoors programming with FREE events and performances happening all day starting at 1:30 pm. From food trucks to outdoor activities, backstage tours, and so much more, we are so excited to celebrate coming together around the arts again after over a year and a half.

Sunday

8:00pm: NSO Labor Day Concert
The NSO’s annual Labor Day weekend concert returns, relocated this year from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol to the REACH Plaza! Join for a FREE performance conducted by Larry Loh with special guests NSO Artistic Advisor Ben Folds and saxophonist Charlie Young. This special concert features music from Duke Ellington, new Kennedy Center Composer-in-Residence Carlos Simon, Jessie Montgomery, and Michael Abels. The performance is FREE to attend, no tickets required. Seating is first-come, first serve.

Monday

11:00am-3:00pm: Kensington Labor Day Festival
Armory Avenue will be filled with food and drink vendors, live music, bounce houses, and lots of family fun.

Looking ahead:
HUEPHORIA Sept 9-12
Experience an immersive and interactive art exhibition in the Merriweather District. Four Artists. Four Days. One Exhibition.

Synetic is bringing FREE theater to Lubber Run Amphitheater this September 10th & 11th! Reserve your seats today by visiting the link above!

Anne Arundel County Fair Sept. 15-19

It’s time to celebrate Christmas in July! Single tickets are now on sale for DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL at D.C.’s National Theatre, located on Pennsylvania Avenue just steps from the White House. The production will open the 2021/2022 Broadway at The National season as the first live performance in the venue since March of 2020. THE GRINCH will play for two weeks only, from November 23 through December 5, 2021, with multiple performances available on Black Friday.

More:
As summer comes to an end, we have certainly done our share of checking off places to go on our bucket list!

Sunflower fields to visit near Washington, DC

The summer tab on our site has everything you need to make the hot days fun. Splash parks, pools, our bucket list, movies and music are a few to check out. Head there before summer is over!

Recent posts:
Horseback riding & lessons
Educational toys & games